Alton man sentenced to 50 years for murder

EDWARDSVILLE – A judge Tuesday sentenced Damond Riddlespriger, of Alton, to 50 years in prison for the shooting death of his cousin, despite Riddlespriger’s continued claims of innocence.

State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons argued there were no mitigating factors that would effect the sentence of Riddlespriger, who killed his 22-year-cousin with a shot to the back of the head.

Gibbons said victim Marlon Poindexter, of Alton, trusted that he could invite his own cousin into his car.

“He welcomed his cousin, whom he considered a friend, into his car. He had no idea when he opened the door to his cousin that it would be the end of his life,” Gibbons argued.

Riddlespriger, 24, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder and a count of armed robbery in the death of Poindexter. Witnesses testified the shooting was the result of “a beef over a girl.”

A jury in January found the defendant guilty of murder but was unable to reach a verdict in the robbery case.

Gibbons argued Tuesday that Riddlespriger was out of prison on parole when the murder occurred. Judge Richard Tognarelli said he took the parole factor into consideration but said Riddlespriger had no other significant criminal history.

The judge sentenced Riddlespriger to 25 years — five years more than the minimum — but added a 25-year enhancement because a firearm was used. Under Illinois law, the enhancement is require when a firearm is used in the crime.

Poindexter was in the driver’s seat of a car parked on Myrle Street on July 11, 2011. Riddlespriger was sitting directly behind the victim when he pulled a .22-caliber handgun and fired.

Defense attorney Harry Anderson told the judge it is difficult to argue for a light sentence if the defendant insists on his innocence after he was convicted by a jury; however, he noted the situation is a tragedy for the defendant’s family as well as the family of the victim.

Anderson said his client’s mother will not live to see her son a free man.

He said Riddlespriger has made the best of his time in the Madison County Jail, awaiting trial.

“He is probably one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met,” Anderson said. He said his client is also writing a novel.

Riddlespriger told the judge he is sorry for his cousin’s family and noted he also lost a family member.

“I will maintain my innocence and hope eventually the truth will come out,” Riddlespriger told the judge.

During the trial Anderson maintained there was a scuffle over drugs and money and that some other occupant of the car actually fired the fatal shot.

Alton police Lt. Scott Golike said after the trial that the prosecution did an excellent job.

“We appreciate the effort and commitment of the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. We have great confidence when we hand these case off for prosecution. As usual, they did a good job of closing this case out,” Golike said.